Not my debt but on my report

[Job_Hunting]

What is the name of your state? IL

In 1998 my husband was legally divorced from Jane R. Doe. At the end of 1999, he and myself, Jane A Doe were married.

Being that this is my first marriage and I have excellent credit, I did not consider the consequences of marrying someone who had credit issues, particularly when the x wife shares the exact same name, cept the middle initial.

Issue--When applying for a mortgage the first time, there were numerous credit issues that had to be resolved. All resolved now, no problem there, EXCEPT that a few of the creditors have HER credit problems on MY credit report now. Not to be confused with HIS and HER credit problems that would be on OUR joint report, these are definitely Jane R Doe's accounts listed on Jane A Does single report. I have done everything possible to get this corrected, but the credit agencies upon investigation maintain that my DOB matches to the account. How in the world could that have happened? I am POSITIVE these are not my debts, I am anal about my finances.

Is there any other measure one can take to correct this?

 

[Debt Guy]

If you have gone through all the steps of disputing with the creditors and the credit reporting agencies, the only thing left to do if file a lawsuit.

I don't know exactly what steps you have taken, and I don't want to be repetitive, but here is what I would do.

Write a letter to each creditor (sent it certified mail return receipt requested). Attach to the letter a copy of your birth certificate, your marriage license, you social security card and a copy of your credit report (with the error item clearly marked). Tell them again that they have the wrong person and explain why. Tell them you have made numerous attempts to correct the information with the credit reporting agencies but it continues to be verified by the creditor. Tell them that they have 30 days to remove the incorrect information or the next communication will be from your attorney. Then file suit for violations of the Fair Credit Reporting Act. You might be able to find an attorney to take it on contingency since his/her fees can be awarded.

I know this is frustrating for you. About the only other thing I can recommend is to go see you local congressperson and senator. Tell them that creditors and credit reporting agencies need to be more accountable for fixing mistakes and the best way to make them more accountable is to increase the maximum allowable damage award from $1000 to $10,000. The creditors only listen when money talks.

 

[Job_Hunting]

Thanks a lot Debt Guy--

Yes, I did go through all the motions you mentioned; however I did not send the packets certified (pretty stupid now that you pointed that out!)--nor were my requests very demanding. I will follow your suggestions of wordage--thanks again, I appreciate it.